During Diwali, certain traditions are observed and each of these traditions has a spiritual meaning. DIWALI or DIPAVALI ("dipa" - fire, lamp, "vali" - a lot, i.e. "many lights", "cluster of fire")

Illuminating the house with lights means that the mind (the light of the mind) is present. Clay lamps, called "Diya" ("Deepa"), symbolize the body, which is a combination of the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and space. This body is temporary. And the flame of Diya represents the soul (Atma), which, achieving constant connection with the Supersoul (Paramatma), gives sparkling and bright rays. The oil represents an invaluable component - spiritual knowledge. To keep the flame always lit means to be always aware. "I am the light, always connected with the Highest Light."

On this day it is obligatory for everyone to awaken from the deep sleep of ignorance and be connected with the Supreme Light through meditation.

Diwali is also a time to pay bills, both financial and karmic. This is a time of special reverence for the Devatas. New clothes, new dishes.

On Diwali, every house is illuminated with many lights. At this time, the books of old accounts are closed and new ones are started. This means a new beginning. It also symbolizes the rejection of bad things.

People exchange congratulations and gifts. Distributing sweets symbolizes that speech and words should be sweet. Fire pujas mean that a person is ready to offer all his weaknesses to fire.

Diwali is celebrated for three to five days depending on the region and traditions:

"Dhan" means "wealth" and "teras" means the thirteenth day. It is a day of celebrations in honor of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In some regions of India, lamps are lit on this day in honor of God Yamaraja, the god of death.

2. Second day. Chhoti Diwali (Little Diwali) or Narak Chaturdashi.

Hindus believe that on this day Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura, freeing the entire world from fear. Fireworks usually start on this day.

It is actually the day of Diwali itself and the most important day of the festival. If the house is not cleaned, this should be done at the beginning of the day, as a greeting to Goddess Lakshmi. On this day, it is customary to exchange gifts and sweets to strengthen the love between family and friends. Fireworks are launched in the afternoon.

4. Fourth day. Govardhan puja (Balipratipada, Padiva, Govardhan puja or Varshapratipada). November 8.

This is the day when Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan Parvat to protect the people of Gokul from Indra's wrath and the day when King Vikramaditya was crowned.

5. The fifth and last day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, Bhai Dooj. November 9. The last day of Diwali is dedicated to the love between brothers and sisters. The sister places the sacred red tilak on her brother's forehead and prays for his long life, and the brothers bless their sisters and give them gifts.

Diwali is the festival of lights. It is said that in the fire of the lamps there is the light of the sun, moon, stars and lightning. Light is the divine, while darkness is the absence of God. On the night of Deepavali, millions of lamps are lit. Their light illuminates the homes and hearts of people, awakening in them the desire for God. The Vedas say: Tamaso ma jyotir gama "Do not remain in darkness, go to the light." This path - from night to day - is the path of man’s spiritual ascent, the path to the triumph of God in our soul.

Diwali in India - Festival of Lights

Diwali (Deepavali) in India is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The holiday is celebrated for 5 days in a row, the 3rd day is considered the most important - it is at this time that the Festival of Lights takes place. During the festival, they arrange colorful fireworks and light traditional deepa lamps and candles around their homes to attract the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. Deepavali is often compared to the European New Year.

Meaning

The history of the Indian holiday Diwali is replete with legends, most of which relate to Hindu religious scriptures. But the main theme of the legends symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Deepavali also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of winter. Farmers were finishing their harvest, and traders were preparing for long journeys. During this period, the veneration of the goddess of abundance, wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, becomes important.

Lighting the lights on Diwali in India is of great significance. For Hindus, darkness represents ignorance and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Thanks to light, the beauty of the world is revealed. And in most religions, light is a symbol of any positive experience. Thus, through the lighting of fires, liberation from negative forces is achieved: guile, violence, lust, anger, envy, hypocrisy, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering. Lighting a lamp is a form of worship of god to achieve health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and glory.

Five days of Diwali

Day 1: Dhanvantari Trayodashi (Dhana-Trayodashi)

This is the day when god Dhanvantari was born from the ocean to bring the knowledge of Ayurveda to humanity.

At sunset, Hindus should take a bath and offer a lighted lamp containing prasadam (food offered to the deity) to God Yamaraja, the lord of Death, and pray for protection from premature death. This should be done near a Tulasi tree or other sacred tree that grows in the yard.

On this day it is customary to buy jewelry and dishes.

2nd day: Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti-Diwali)

On the second day, they celebrate the victory of the god Krishna over the demon Narakasura and the liberation of the world from fear.

From this day on, fireworks are launched.

One should massage the body with oil to get rid of fatigue, take a bath and relax so that one can celebrate Diwali with all the energy available.

According to the sastras, the diya lamp does not need to be lit on this day. But some people still mistakenly believe that diyas should always be lit before Deepavali.

Day 3: Diwali - Lakshmi Puja

The most important day of the festival, which is the day of Diwali.

Mother Lakshmi is worshiped on this day.

It is extremely important that the house is perfectly cleaned, as Goddess Lakshmi loves cleanliness and on this day she will first visit the cleanest house.

Lanterns and lamps are lit in the evening to attract the goddess and illuminate her path.

The sounds of bells and drums can be heard from the temples. Fireworks are launched in the afternoon.

Lakshmi Puja (Sanskrit: पूजा, Pūjā - “worship”, “prayer”) consists of the combined worship of five deities - Ganesha (the god of wisdom and prosperity); three hypostases of Lakshmi - Mahalakshmi (goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (goddess of books and learning), Mahakali (warrior goddess, protector from hostile forces.); Kubera (guardian god of treasures buried in the earth).

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

The fourth day of the festival is the worship of Govardhan Hill and King Bali Maharaja.

On this day Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan Parvat to protect the people of Gokul from Indra's wrath and the day King Vikramaditya was crowned.

In the temples, the deities are given a milk bath and dressed in shiny clothes with sparkling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. Sweets are then offered to the deities, and then this prasadam is offered to those who come.

5th day: Yama-Dvitiya or Bhaya-duja

The last day of Diwali is dedicated to the love between brothers and sisters.

Sisters cook for their brothers and pray for their long lives, and brothers bless their sisters and give them gifts.

Customs and traditions of Deepavali

We will not talk about the specifics of preparing festive prasad and performing puja rituals, but we will talk about some popular traditions and customs of the festival of lights of Deepavali.

Lanterns and lamps

Deepavali literally means “row of lamps” in Sanskrit. So the most recognizable tradition of the festival is the lighting of a large number of small earthen lamps with oil - diya (also called diya, deepa, deepam or diwak). Vegetable oil or ghee is poured into the middle of the diya and a cotton wick is placed in it. You can make such lamps yourself by simply pouring a small amount of ordinary vegetable oil into a suitable form and placing a long piece of cotton wool, rolled into a pasta shape, into it. But be careful not to place lamps next to flammable objects.

Rangoli is a prayer drawing, an ornament that is applied to the floor and walls of the house. To create designs, bright multi-colored powders, flour and cereals are used. It is such a popular art in India that rangoli making competitions are held in schools and offices. Also in houses, footprints are drawn on the floor with flour, which symbolizes the expectation of Lakshmi’s arrival.

Firecrackers and fireworks

The tradition of fireworks on Diwali is not very old, but it has already become an important part of the festival of lights. Fireworks are believed to scare away all evil from life.

Gambling

One of the most curious customs of Diwali is the indulgence in gambling. This tradition is especially popular in Northern India. Just remember, games are not played for money, but for fun. According to legend, on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Shiva and decreed that anyone who bets on the night of Deepavali will prosper throughout the next year. And a popular saying says that those who do not sit down to gamble will be born a donkey in their next life. Casinos and local gambling houses do brisk business throughout the week of Diwali.

Gift exchange

Giving gifts has always been one of the important rituals of the holiday. Diwali strengthens the bond with family members, friends and loved ones. Gifts can be very different, but especially popular: sweets, religious paraphernalia, diya lamps, silver and gold, new clothes and jewelry, handmade cards.

Taking a bath - cleansing

On the second day of Diwali, before sunrise, it is customary to take a bath with oil and ubtan paste, which consists of nuts, flour, ground herbs and oils. It is necessary to cleanse and relax so that you can meet the holiday full of energy.

The festival of Diwali is important in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, and is celebrated wherever there are large communities of these religions: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nepal, Malaysia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Mauritius and Fiji. And due to the increasing concentration of Indian immigrants and followers of the above-mentioned religions, celebrations take place in California, Seattle (USA), London (UK) and Singapore. But the best place to visit Diwali is in India! If you are already mentally prepared for such a trip, you can choose and book a hotel in India with our agency.

Those who will not be able to visit India this year for Diwali, but want to be rich, happy, cleanse themselves of darkness and follow the path of light, should follow the 14 recommendations that we gave in the story.

Well, to ensure happiness, you will need a flashlight. This is not a traditional Indian Deepa, but similar. It really decorates the house. Tested by personal experience.

The day is coming to an end, it is beginning to get dark, but what is happening? Sunlight is gradually replaced by the lights of many lanterns, garlands, lamps and lamps of the most incredible shapes and colors - one of the most beautiful and ancient Vedic holidays on Earth has begun in India today - Diwali (or Deepavali), which means "Bunch of Fire" in Sanskrit.

Diwali lasts 5 days and has been celebrated for over 7,000 years. This is a very colorful festival, which is accompanied by a huge number of lights, flowers, processions, rituals, chants, rangolis, sweets and gifts. There are many legends associated with it, one of which says that the fire festival was held in honor of the return of Prince Rama and his coronation. According to another version, the holiday began to be celebrated as a commemoration of the country’s emergence from darkness during the reign of Rama, in gratitude for his wisdom. However, all legends and versions agree on one thing - Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, following the right path of development and purification.

The timing of Diwali was not chosen by chance. As in many other cultures, in ancient times it was believed that the period from late October to early November, being at the junction of the seasons and the transition from one season to another, was the most energetically or spiritually charged of the year.

Holiday of Lights Traditions

Diwali carries with it a number of spiritual traditions. The main ones are cleansing and putting in order your home, body and mind. Houses are especially decorated and cleaned on this day. Illuminated with bright and colorful lights, symbolizing the light of the mind. The light is constantly on - like awareness, which should always be present in our lives.

Deepavali is a holiday of unity, merging with the Light. This is a wonderful time to kindle more light in your soul, to light brighter the “wick” of spirituality, knowledge, love, abundance. Illuminate all your talents, virtues and gain strength in order to maintain this fire, as well as leave behind everything that has become obsolete and negative and enter a new life as a renewed person.

It is believed that on Deepavali it is good to pay bills, and not only financial ones, but also karmic ones, give up bad habits, give gifts and make donations. Many traders in India consider this day the beginning of the new year; they adjust their affairs and put their accounts in order.

During the holiday, people try to purify their thoughts, actions, words and relationships, and abstain from 5 human vices such as anger, passion, greed, lust, and attachment. Regular meditation practices help cleanse both body and soul.

To cleanse the body, bathe in the light of the stars before sunrise (bathing in the Ganges). New dishes are prepared, new clothes are put on, thereby showing their readiness to move forward, to update. In clothing, it is good to use gold color, golden threads as a symbol of the transition from Kali Yuga (old clothes, thinking, behavior) to Satya Yuga - the Golden Age, the era of harmony and purity.

In every region of India, Diwali celebrations have their own characteristics. For some parts of the country and population groups, especially the trading communities of Western India, Diwali is considered the beginning of the New Year. Therefore, for most Indian enterprises, the 1st day of the festival is the beginning of the financial year.

In most parts of India, Diwali is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and abundance Lakshmi, the wife of God Vishnu. The houses are thoroughly cleaned, all the lights are lit, since the Goddess does not like darkness, they turn to her in prayer, offer her milk in which coins are dipped, and at night they leave the doors and windows open so that it is easier for her to enter the house.

In the south of India, Diwali celebrates the victory of God Krishna over the demon Narakasura. On this day of the victory of good over evil, Hindus generously anoint themselves with coconut oil, which cleanses them of sins, since this ceremony is considered equal in importance to bathing in the sacred Ganges.

In the East of India, and especially in Bengal, Diwali is dedicated to the worship of the black Goddess Kali, who personifies the cult of power. On this occasion, prayers are performed in front of the images of the Goddess for ten days, and then these images are immersed in the waters of rivers or ponds.

Features of Diwali celebrations in different regions of India and the world

Kumaon
The main ingredient of holiday dishes is rice. Camphor is used in night pujas. Lakshmi, who is depicted in sandalwood, is revered.

Rajasthan
Here, just like in Kumaon, Lakshmi is worshiped. But there is a peculiarity - delicious dishes must be offered to cats. It is a positive sign if the animal eats all the food offered.

Bihar
This state is a place of worship for the festival of lights of Goddess Kali. The most beneficial dishes made from coconuts.

Gujarat
There is a name for the holiday - Badhavsar. On this day, salt is purchased for a long time.

Maharashtra
Yama is revered - the deity of the Sun, who is the twin of the Moon.

Andhra
Not only people, but also buffaloes bathe on the holiday. Decorations are made from paper.

Bengal
Here the festival is called Mahanisha. It is believed that Maha Kali appeared on this day, accompanied by 64,000 yogis.

Mysore
Mysore also loves Diwali. Mass sacred bathing is held. Women wear their best jewelry.

Sri Lanka
Celebrations in Sri Lanka are similar to Indian ones. Gorgeous and large-scale decorations are everywhere. The lamps are on all night. The difference is the dishes made from crystalline sugar.

Japan
The Japanese also wear new clothes, but cleaning the house is considered unfavorable on this day. The holiday itself represents progress, prosperity and longevity. Music is playing everywhere, houses are decorated and lit, there are lanterns and paper decorations on the trees.

Thailand
The name of the holiday in Thailand is different - Lam Kriyongkha, but the timing is similar - in October-November. Lamps (diyas) are made from the trunk of a banana tree. Together with candles and coins, they are floated down the river. Residents congratulate each other and give sweets.

Nepal
Diwali (Tihar in Nepali) is celebrated with great pomp for 5 days. Lots of sweets, clay lamps, delicious dishes. Mass fireworks launches and other joys of the holiday.

If you decide to join and celebrate this wonderful holiday at home, then in addition to lighting the lights, cleaning and new clothes, do not forget that our actions begin with our thoughts. And it is a positive attitude that helps solve many things in our lives. 🙂

Happy Diwali!

Diwali (Deepavali) is the festival of lights, one of the most important holidays in India, symbolizing the triumph of good, the victory of all that is bright and kind over the dark and cruel. Celebrated at the beginning of the month of Kartik (October-November) for five days.

The legend of the holiday

Diwali (Divapali) began to be celebrated several centuries ago; many different legends are associated with the custom of this holiday. There is a belief that Diwali is closely connected with the victory of the god Krishna over the demonic creature Narakasura, who sinned by kidnapping the princesses of India.
Krishna defeated this demon and the people greeted him with lit lamps and torches - hence the custom on this day to light torches, candles, oil lanterns (translation of the word Deepa), fireworks located near statues and images of deities and sacred animals everywhere.

Some Indians associate the festival of lights with - in her honor, on the eve of the celebration, they paint walls, buy ritual accessories, gold, and food so that the goddess rewards them with abundance and wealth. Many believe that Diwali is a glorification of the deity Rama (the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu), celebrating his enthronement and wise, just rule.

For each individual territory of India, the festival of lights has its own characteristics. For example, in Western India, on the day of the holiday, it is customary to clean up the house and workplace, and in the evenings, shop windows and private houses glow with garlands, lamps and various electrical appliances.

Those people who believe in the connection of Diwali with the goddess of fertility and wealth Lakshmi, do general cleaning on the day of the celebration, light fires, make offerings to the goddess from milk and coins dipped in it, read prayers, and at night do not close windows and doors - so as not to repair obstacles for Lakshmi if she decides to enter their house.
In the southern territories of India, Diwali is considered to be a celebration of Krishna's victory over the demon named Narakasura.. All Hindus on this day lubricate their bodies with coconut oil, equating this action to bathing in the sacred Ganges and getting rid of existing sins.

East India worships on this day, embodying the cult of strength. The images of Kali serve as a place of worship and prayer for 10 days, after which they are immersed in rivers and ponds.

Existing Diwali Customs

The Happy Deepavali celebration itself lasts five days. On this day, the entire territory of the country turns into a bright, unforgettable show with lights and fireworks. But the lights of the festival illuminate people’s hearts not only with bright colors, but also with kindness, because on this holiday it is customary to show attention to everyone, give gifts, and help those in need.

There is no such holiday in India on which so many gifts are given! Owners of grocery stores organize sales for everyone who could not afford an expensive purchase on another day; it is customary to treat neighbors with various sweets.

During Diwali, there is a tradition of spending money, but not on your own needs, but on friends, acquaintances or neighbors. Particularly in demand are coins with images of deities such as Ganesha, Lakshmi, various outlandish souvenirs, objects of art, and precious jewelry. The holiday is very interesting.

Special packaging in the form of baskets is used for sweets and dry fruits during Diwali. It is customary to show love and respect to your closest and dearest people with such pleasant surprises. No one should remain hungry or deprived of attention on this holiday.

The name Deepavali (Diwali) consists of two Sanskrit words: “deep” - candle, and “pavali” - garland; The holiday is literally translated as “garland of light.” These days are also often called Lakshmi Puja - that is, the veneration of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and abundance.

Diwali is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, positive energy over negative. The meaning of all Vedic holidays is improvement and the pursuit of the Highest, and Diwali is no exception: it is a holiday of Light not only in the literal but also in the figurative sense, as we glorify the light within us. The inner light is also called “vivek-shilta” - that is, the ability to distinguish and recognize truth and goodness. This quality awakens when a person’s mind, as a result of spiritual practice and good deeds, rises to a high level. It is not for nothing that in Russia there is also a saying that learning is light.

History and legends of the holiday

According to one legend, the goddess Lakshmi was born on this day a long time ago. So Diwali can be considered as the celebration of the birthday of this goddess. Another story connects these days with the reign of Rama, the incarnation of the god Vishnu, on earth - according to legend, the reign of Rama destroyed spiritual darkness, symbolized by the lights lit on Diwali.

Whatever the origin of this holiday, the meaning is the same - to draw people’s attention to the good path of life (personal dharma). If you strive to fulfill your dharma, then positive energy will fill you and your environment.

When is Diwali celebrated in India and why is the date “floating” in the European calendar?

In Europe, including Russia, the Gregorian calendar is used, and in India their traditional calendar is still in use. And according to the Hindu calendar, this holiday falls in the month of Kartika - the eighth month of the year, which begins on October 23 and ends on November 23. It turns out that in Europe Diwali falls at the end of October or beginning of November. In 2018, Diwali is celebrated from November 7 to 11. To determine the exact date of the holiday, astrologers make special calculations every year. We usually celebrate the holiday after 5 pm and until late at night.

How to prepare for the holiday

Before Diwali in India, it is customary to do a general cleaning of the house, thoroughly sweep all corners, paint and whitewash your houses so that cleanliness and order reign all around. It is believed that where there is external purity, goodness and positive energy reign.

Diwali is celebrated for three days. The first day of the holiday is called Dhanteras - on this day it is customary to buy new dishes for the house and give gold or silver jewelry to women. The second day is called Choti Diwali and the third day is called Diwali. On these days, families buy the most luxurious sweets, flowers, garlands, candles, incense and come to the temple to present all these gifts to the goddess of well-being and prosperity Lakshmi. Bhajans are traditionally sung to both this goddess and other deities of the Indian pantheon. During Diwali, it is customary to visit all neighbors, friends and acquaintances, while exchanging sweets. Another common gift is all kinds of jewelry and fabrics. These days it is customary to dress up brightly and pay special attention to external beauty.

How to celebrate Diwali

Despite the fact that Diwali is primarily a spiritual holiday, it is usually celebrated on a grand scale. In India, all streets and houses are illuminated with the light of many candles and lamps. For several days, the usual darkness of the night is replaced by the flickering of thousands of lights, and the silence is replaced by the sounds of joyful songs and rejoicing. According to tradition, the holiday ends with colorful fireworks.

During Diwali celebrations, the evening and night are spent in prayer and meditation. A person who performs these practices does it not only for himself, but also for the well-being of his family and friends. Business people pray to Goddess Lakshmi in a special way in order to increase their wealth. It is also customary to give alms on Diwali. It is believed that it cleanses a person’s karma, and donations must come from the heart.